Maine Nonprofit Day

Every day, Mainers rely on nonprofits to nurture our minds, protect our environment, inform our government, educate our children, and drive our economy–all while investing significant financial and human resources throughout the state. As a sector, nonprofits contribute more than $14 billion dollars per year to the economy, and employ 1 in 6 Maine workers. 

Since 2004, MANP has hosted an annual Maine Nonprofit Day to:

• Empower nonprofits to participate fully in the formation of public policy that impacts the communities they serve
• Increase policymaker awareness of nonprofits and their vital contributions to Maine’s economy and way of life
• Strengthen relationships between nonprofit leaders and public officials

2024 Nonprofit Day: February 15

Advocating for Equal Sales Tax Treatment for Charitable Nonprofits

Our next Nonprofit Day will have a special focus: universal sales tax exemption for all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

MANP will convene organizations from across Maine at the State House to educate lawmakers on the benefit and impact that a universal sales tax exemption for charitable nonprofits would bring, as well as on the value of the nonprofit sector as a whole. 

Nonprofit employees and volunteers are welcome to join us for a day of action, learning, and connection, especially if your organization is not currently exempt from sales tax.

Register

FAQs

• Schedule, parking, directions & policies: Visit our event registration page.
• Why focus on sales tax? Most states across the country (and in New England), already have a blanket sales tax exemption for 501(c)(3) organizations. In Maine, we have an unequal and patchwork system of sales tax exemptions that causes confusion for nonprofits, businesses, and government. While many charitable nonprofits are already exempt, many others (particularly smaller organizations) are left behind. This year, we have a chance to change that!
• How do I exhibit? There is only space in the Hall of Flags for 12 organizations to have an exhibit table. Unless you were notified that your organization was selected to have a table, you will not have space to exhibit. Exhibitors have been notified and information about setting up your table is in your Exhibitor Toolkit. Please reach out to Mary Alice Scott, Public Affairs Manager (mascott@nonprofitmaine.org), with any additional questions.
• How do I get prepared? We're hosting a free webinar a few weeks ahead of time to go over what to expect, how to get prepared to talk about sales tax exemption, and answer questions. Details will be included in your confirmation e-mail after you register.

Advocacy Resources to Use Year-Round

• MANP’s “Adding Up Impact” report includes important data about the scope of nonprofits' role in Maine.
• Our "Advocacy Resources" page contains lots of information about the rules of nonprofit advocacy, connecting with legislators, and navigating the legislative process.
• Contact MANP’s Public Affairs Manager, Mary Alice Scott, if you have questions about how your organization can engage in advocacy.